Aaron Rodgers has been asked about the Packers' Jordan Love selection in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft before, and regardless of what happens over the next few years in Green Bay, the questions aimed at the future Hall of Fame quarterback might never cease.
So maybe Rodgers in the future can reference the seemingly honest explanation he recently gave Kyle Brandt on the "10 Questions With Kyle Brandt" podcast when asked about his reaction to the Packers trading up in the first round to draft a quarterback.
Rodgers, 36, admitted he initially was excited to see Green Bay trade up because he thought it meant his team was targeting a wide receiver. Rodgers, keep in mind, had been vocal about the Packers' lack of receiving talent beyond Davante Adams.
Because his stream of the NFL Draft was delayed, though, Rodgers received news of Green Bay's draft pick via a text from his marketing agent.
MORE: Rodgers voices uncertainty about NFL season
"He just texted 'quarterback,'" Rodgers explained. "I was like, 'Oh, wow. OK.' I love scotch, but I've been drinking some sipping tequila, as well. And once I got that text I went to the pantry. I poured myself about four fingers.
"I knew it was going to be one of those nights where people were going to start calling and there was going to be the, 'Hey, is everything fine? You OK?' I'm like, 'Yeah, I'm fine.'"
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Rodgers went on to reinforce previous comments that, while he didn't exactly love the Love pick, he "understands it's a business."
While understanding the age-related parallels people have drawn between his current situation and that of Brett Favre when the Packers drafted Rodgers in 2005, Rodgers also pushed back on the idea that the two situations are the same. Rodgers reminded listeners that he fell to No. 24 in the first round in '05 to a Packers team that had struggled the year prior. And even after he had expressed a desire to play into his 40s, the Packers this time aggresively traded up in the first round after reaching the NFC championship game.
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Rodgers has four years left on the contract extension he signed with Green Bay in 2018 and restructured in 2019.
However, as he told Brandt, Rodgers would not be surprised if the Packers move on from him to Love before that contract ends in 2024.
"Based on just the circumstances," Rodgers said."Just look at the facts. They traded up. They drafted him. I would say they like him, they want to play him. ... And I get it. I really do. I don't harbor any ill will about it. Was I bummed out? Of course. Who wouldn't be?
"I wanted to play my entire career in Green Bay. I love the city. I grew up there, really. I got there when I was 21. I'm 36 now. A lot changes during that time. But look, I get it. I see it completely clearly, and I'm not bitter about it. It just kind of is what it is."